for those who have lowered...

[EM]

Hello, I don't have an SV yet, but I want to get one within the next year or so. I know that in addition to shaving the seat down, I will need to lower it at least some, via dogbones or ride height adjusters.
Was wondering if anyone who has already done this, could confirm for me that the bike still rides and handles pretty well? That it doesn't drag things, ridden semi-fast but not superfast?
Or?
Do things get really gnarly?
My suspicion is that the bike will ride very well even lowered up to say 2 inches, but I was wondering if anyone could confirm this for me.
I hear so much from doomsday nay-sayers who go on and on "thou shallt not lower" but really - if it means the difference between having this bike and otherwise being forced onto a cruiser, I'd rather give up a bit of handling than be stuck on a cruiser, which handles lousy anyway.
However, if someone could give me their before and after impressions - I would greatly appreciate it!
I would also slide the fork tubes up through the triple trees (yokes) as well.
Thanks so much!
:D
Em
'79 Yam XS650
Florida

[Bikerz]

have my boyfriends then he won't kill himself on it lol :lol:

[Bikerz]

have my boyfriends then he won't kill himself on it lol :lol:

that was the GF ellen, as u can see she didnt take too well after my BIG accident!

[EM]

Hi you two, sorry to hear about the accident.
Do you think it might have been related to having lowered the suspension?
thanks, and, hope you are healing well.
Em

[mr&mrs_sv]

Hi, my wifes bike has the longer dog bones which lowered the seat height by 10mm so I dropped the forks through the triple clamps about 12mm an it rides great.

[Sid Squid]

A lowered SV rides OK, the important thing to do is to lower both ends as equally as is possible, otherwise it won't steer properly. At the rear particularly there are a number of people who have set the preload down to a low setting, whilst this does lower the bike, it also means that the rear suspension isn't working right, better to change the suspension links and set the shock right.

[Kate]

Being under 5.2" my SV has very definitely been lowered. I've got the longer dog bones, the lower seat, the lower preload setting and the forks have been dropped. I haven't ridden any other bike except the SV and for me it handles fine. Other riders, experienced riders, have ridden my bike and have said it handles fine.

HTH

[EM]

Thanks everyone for your responses. They have been helpful.
Kate! I would LOVE to see your bike. I would love to sit on your bike actually...but anyway....
is there any chance I could see a pic of your bike, lowered?
The way you describe your mods would be similar to what I would need to do. I am 5'3", but, unfortunately, short of leg.
:(
Not the best way to be!
A fellow I know in Canada says its called "ducks disease"? does that ring a bell??? He says thats an English expression. Guess it refers to a butt low to the ground, lol.
I just call it Donald Duck disease.
Anyway, would love to see a pic if its possible.
Thanks everyone.
Em

[Aurora]

Being under 5.2" my SV has very definitely been lowered. I've got the longer dog bones, the lower seat, the lower preload setting and the forks have been dropped. I haven't ridden any other bike except the SV and for me it handles fine. Other riders, experienced riders, have ridden my bike and have said it handles fine.

HTH

I've also had mine lowered same spec, and it rides lovely.

Hubby did it like this (http://www.bikersoracle.com/suzukisv/forum/showthread.php?t=66)

[thor]

I'll see if I can get a pic of mine and Kate's side by side.

[Kate]

Yep, very short of leg too which is a right pain for riding bikes! There is a pick of my bike around somewhere from the meet last week, but we definitely need to get a pic of it next to a standard bike, Thor, you're on.

Here's a link to a pic of my bike though its not very clear and its got Moriarty sitting on it. Its the one a few pics down of the pointy blue.

http://forums.sv650.org/viewtopic.php?p=318249#318249

[hall13uk]

Yep, very short of leg too which is a right pain for riding bikes! There is a pick of my bike around somewhere from the meet last week, but we definitely need to get a pic of it next to a standard bike!
u can use a pic of my bike its standard a blue k4 so almost a perfect match for your bike when standard.
http://premium1.uploadit.org/Nutkins//star-wars-smiley-023.gif[/quote]

[EM]

Hi Kate and Aurora
thanks for showing the pics of the lowered bikes.
I guess all that remains for me is to start shopping!
:)
Thanks again, to all of you.
And if someone *does* end up making a comparison photo of a lowered SV next to a stock one - I would be very interested in seeing that as well!
Em

[EM]

Hi folks. I had chatted with you a few months ago about the SV and the lowering options. I finally got one!
A nice black 2002 model with very low miles. Looks like a new motorcycle.
Unfortunately I had to do major surgery on the seat right away to lower it some. Looks nice except the surface is bumpy. But the cover fits nice and tight and the shape I made is nice. Taking it for lowering links on Weds. And then my first real longish ride this weekend.
Can't wait!
Hope you've all been having a nice summer.
Looking forward to exploring the forums and the SV650.org site more.
:)
Em

[Kate]

Congrats!!!

Whereabouts are you? Perhaps you get along to a meet sometime!

[EM]

Hi Kate, I'm in the USA - Florida to be exact. I'm guessing you are in England?
What kind of lower seat are you using? I sort of hacked mine up - but it was necessary so I could ride this weekend. Hope to have it smoothed out by a professional at some point.
Luckily its comfortable enough!
So, as far as getting together, well its a bit far!
:) But if you ever happened to come this way, would love to meet you.
see ya!
Em

[Aurora]

Hi Em

Glad you got your bike sorted, Hubby took the knife to my seat to shave off some unwanted height. Just got round to having it 'sorted', now have a lovely shape seat complete with gel pads. Its such a comfy ride now :lol:

[EM]

Hi Aurora, how did you have yours fixed up? Did you take it to an upholsterer? A motorcycle specific place? or just a regular furniture type upholsterer?
I'd like to send mine up to Sargents, a big motorcycle seat co right here in FL, and have them do the job. But I think thats a bit pricey.
Anyway, I'm happy for you that yours is now sorted and looking good and feeling fine!
:)
What kind of bike did you ride before the SV? Was wondering if the SV's clutch seemed to be a bit of a "hair trigger" to you when you first got it.
I'm having to be very careful with it.
With my old bike I really had to "grab a handful" of throttle and slip the clutch to get going, but if I do the same with the SV it will launch itself into orbit (it seems!)
So I am having to be careful!
Can't wait to get some serious saddle time this weekend.
I'm happy to be among the SV650 owners now.
Em

[Kate]

lol, yeah I'm in sunny England, hmm, might be a bit difficult for you to get to meet. :lol:

I've got an official lower seat from Suzuki which I bought off someone on this forum.

Have you thought about getting some boots with a built up sole? Mine are great - Daytona Lady Star GTX. Really handy for being able to touch the floor for shortarses :lol:

[EM]

ohhhhhhh, I really REALLY want some of those Daytona Ladystars! but I will have to save my pennies for awhile. They are wonderful boots!
So, the Suzuki "accessory" gel seat...that lowers it quite a bit, eh?
Does it have the same vinyl pattern/grain as the stock seat?
thanks!
:)
Em

[SPEEDLINKS]

hey EM, where in Florida are you?

We are in Daytona and need to see if the lowering links we make fit
your model bike. we Know they fit some SV650s but not sure which years.

It's hard to keep a watch on all forums so answer here but email us too
naarden@ix.netcom.com
(www.naarden.biz)

thanks
wayne

[EM]

HI Wayne, I am in Tampa.
Wish there were a way to help you out. Wish I had known before taking in the bike for these links. Maybe I could have used a set of yours.
Em

[SPEEDLINKS]

that's Ok, if you happen to vist this coast for biktoberfest, stop by and say hello.

wayne

[jenni]

My ladystars just arrived from germany and they are brilliant!- I have been wearing them around the home.

shame i haven't got a bike to go with them yet :(